SES-8 – Falcon 9 GEO Transfer Mission

  • I know HN readers have a love affair with SpaceX but my dad's company is launching a rocket on Thurs at Vandenberg and it should be fun to watch:

    http://www.noozhawk.com/article/atlas_v_set_for_launch_from_...

  • Launch, MECO, stage sep, second stage is running now.

    Update: Second stage engine cutoff (SECO), now coasting until second stage reignition.

    Update 2: Second stage reignition should occur at 3:08pm PST (about 6 minutes from now) and burn for about 1min 11 seconds.

    Update 3: "second stage restart burn successful. Orbit looks nominal" - @SpaceX

    Update 4: "Spacecraft separation confirmed! SES-8 is now in its targeted GEO transfer orbit." - @SpaceX

  • Saw the 1st stage doing some RCS maneuvers right after separation, but they cut the camera away from that shot pretty quick so I couldn't see exactly what. They're not supposed to be trying to "land" this one, but I bet they're getting aero data in support of the F9-R.

    All in all, looks like a good launch. Can't wait to hear about the second burn, which was last flight's sticking point.

  • Somehow I forgot to mention Elon Musk's Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/elonmusk. Always a good read.

  • Velocity of 1.2km/s - rockets are just awesome.

  • Best of luck to the SpaceX team! Hopefully they got everything fixed!

  • Here we go again! I hope it happens this time!

  • Flight Update Falcon 9 and SES-8 satellite currently in parking orbit, awaiting second burn. All systems nominal.

  • Stream has started, launch in T-00:15:30.

  • Just curious, what is the purpose of the 4 towers around the launchpad?

  • After sitting through both launch attempts, I missed this one. Is there any way to view the launch video?

  • So far a success, congrats SpaceX team!

  • Anyone know the details of the music Spacex used on the feed when not broadcasting?

  • Anyone know how long until they attempt the second stage restart?

  • Ignition is around 42:20 relative to the stream beginning.

  • Good Luck SpaceX